Massage device



V. HERNDON MASSAGE DEVICE April 7, 1953 Filed May '8,

" wcroR HERNDON Patented Apr. 7, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Application May 8, 1950, Serial No. 160,737 (01. 128-57) 2 Claims. l

The present invention relates to a body massage device.

An object of the present invention is the provision of a massage device having soft pliable massaging means.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a massage device in which the massage means are so arranged that they grip the flesh.

A still further object of the present invention is the provision of a resilient body supporting the massaging means.

A still further object of the present invention is the provision of a massage device which may be used by either the right hand or left hand of a user.

A still further object of the present invention is the provision of freely rotatable means upon which soft pliable massaging means are mounted.

A still further object of the present invention is the provision of a body massage device that will not injure body tissues, but will gently massage the tissues.

The foregoing and other objects of the present invention should clearly appear from the following detailed description when studied in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, wherein:

Figure 1 is a top plan view of the massage device.

Figure 2 is an end elevational view taken on line 22 of Figure 1, looking in the direction indicated by the arrows. K

Figure 3 is a sectional view taken on line 3--3 of Figure 1 and looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 4 is a sectional view taken on line 4---& of Figure 1, showing one of the bearings upon which the soft pliable massaging means is mounted, and the bearing on a shaft.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary sectional view similar to Figure 4 and illustrating the use of a washer at the ends of a bearing.

Referring now more particularly to the accompanying drawing wherein like numerals of reference designate like parts throughout the several views, the numeral 10 represents a flexible body, the body being formed from a strip of resilient material, and as shown in Figures 2 and 3 the normal position of the body. The body in is of substantially semi-circular configuration, and it is uniform in width throughout its length. The ends I l are turned inwardly and upon themselves forming circular bores 12. Midway the ends H and centrally of the body I is a bore l3 that receives the shank M of a bolt l having a threaded end (not shown). Mounted upon the shank I4 is a handle l6 having a bore I! that houses a washer l8 and nut l9, and a bore that engages the shank M, the nut l9 engaging the threaded end of the bolt l5 securing the handle 16 to the body ID. The peripheral wall of the handle I6 is provided with a plurality of concave portions 20 that are in spaced relation and convex portions 2| that also are in spaced relation.

Mounted in the bores l2 are axles 22, comprising a rod having a straight medial portion 23 and angularly disposed portions 24 that are bent adjacent the ends of the bores on an outwardly disposed angle of from 20 to 30 degrees, the ends of the angularly disposed portions 24 being threaded to receive a nut 25.

Rotatably mounted on the axles 24 are bearings 26, and these hearings carry spherical formed massaging elements 2'! that are of soft pliable material such as sponge rubber, the tubular portion of the bearing being of a very slight diameter greater than the diameter of the axle, thus providing for free rotation of the massaging ele ments 21.

As shown in Figure 4, the end of the bearings 26 may be provided with integral flanges 28, or as shown in Figure 5, washers 29 may be used.

In using the device to massage various parts of the body, the handle I6 is grasped and due to the concave and convex portions 20 and 2| in the peripheral wall of the handle, the device is susceptible of use by either the right or left hand. The device is applied to the skin and a forward motion by the hand is used, or a forward and backward motion may be used. During movement of the device the soft pliable massaging elements 2? rotate freely, rotation being due to the bearing 26 on the axle 24. The axles being disposed at an angle, the massaging elements 2'! will grip the fatty parts of the body thereby kneading the fatty parts, and giving a treatment similar to a hand massage. By providing pressure on the handle IS, the flexible body ID will give and thus spread the rotating massaging elements 21 and give the fatty parts of the body a vigorous massage.

By providing the massaging elements 21 with a bearing 26, uniform rotation of the massaging elements is obtained, and uneven wear and tear on these elements is eliminated. The bearings also provide a means for rotation of the massaging elements to a slow even motion or to a fast quick motion.

While the present invention has been disclosed in connection with certain specific embodiments ing through each of said bores and on angular extension at each end of said straight portion, whereby each extension forms an axle angulated with respect to the bores, a sleeve bearing rotatably mounted on each axle, and a massaging element in the shape of a sphere mounted on and fixed to each sleeve bearing.

VICTOR HERNDON.

means carried by said sleeve bearings, and a v handle carried by said body.

2. A massage device comprising a resilient body, two downwardly incurved. extensions on diametrically opposed sides of the body; said extensions providing bores at opposite ends of said body, a rod comprising a straight portion extend- REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 6224350 Hans Apr. 4, 1899 1,899,208 Murphy Feb. 28, 1933 1,999,939 Luzzi Apr. 30, 1935 

